The 26 players were selected from separate trials held in Port Moresby and Brisbane this month, Radio New Zealand International reported.

 

Among the new-look group are recalled experienced campaigners Japeth Tulapi, Galewa Tau and Jacklyn Lahari.

 

Head coach Annie Iamo said the squad comprised both young and upcoming stars and experienced hands, who would aim to secure their spots in the final team in September before the Singapore Netball Series in October.

 

Pepes have not won an international game since April 2022 but Iamo has confidence in the squad ending that damning statistic.

 

In June, Netball PNG announced the appointment of Annie lamo as the head coach of Pepes and will be assisted by Helen Edwards for the remainder of the year.

 

The announcement came after the national team's recent appearance at the Pacific Netball Series in Australia, where the PNG Pepes finished at the bottom for a second consecutive year,

 

The poor performance prompted Netball PNG to do a series of changes with lamo and Edwards taking over from departing coaches Gimanama Crowdy and Margaret Opina.